Although Italeri have re-released the old Esci M113, they are relatively old versions, Trumpeter have now started to release the Newer version the A2 and now the A3 variant. Although I find the release welcome I sometimes wonder at trumpeter kits, sometimes they seem that they are designed by a commitee that never meets, add an engine but then design the hull that it can never be seen without surgery, add an interior but no commander or drivers seats, some details are nicely done and some that are downright crude.

So what do you get for your money? although slightly more expensive than the Italeri kit here in the UK it does have it's advantages and also disadvantages, but no insurmountable problems that can not be fixed.

The hull is slightly better than the Italeri, bering beter detailed and one peice

the main spru contains the engine, interior and hatches as mentioned the bench seats for the rear are present, but no Commanders or driver seats

The road wheels are two part and better detailed than the Italeri ones but there are problems with the idlers and sprockets

The external fuel tanks, later engine deck and later splash board with the added floatation along with the smoke discharges and flashing yellow beacon which is solid plastic and could do with replacing, although revell supply their beacons solid as well.

The side skirts are the standard type and not the cut down ones seen on some vehicles

the tracks are nicely detailed but vinyl which is a shame.

As per usual decals are provided for more vehicles than shown in the instruction, it is nice that trumpeter continue to give options like this, but they are not a lot of help without the reference needed to place them.

A direct comparison between the Italeri and Trumpeter hulls, as can be seen the Trumpeter is slightly the better.

The trumpeter roof is a lot better than the old Italeri with it having a lot more detail and better relief on the tools and fittings although it does have it's bad points namely the solid moulded bush guard, even Roco in 1/87 provide these as seperate peices, unfotunately removing them without removing the surrounding detail will be difficult.

The road wheels on the Trumpeter kits are the better detailed (Trumpeter being the darker grey ) where as the idlers are better from the Italeri kit which although not perfect, the hub on the Trumpeter idler sits too deep and is too small in diameter.

Although these kits bring the M113 family up to date, I personally feel that possibly mixing the two kits would produce a better vehicle, both kits have their plus and minus's' but fortunately they seem to compliment each other in that where one is bad the other is better.

The kit measures out to 1/72 according to the references I have.

Refernces

M113 in action Squadron/Signal

Jane's Armour and Artillery 1990-91 11th Edition by Christopher F Foss

Jane's Tanks and Combat Vehicles Recognition guide Second Edition by Christopher F Foss